Touchers keep Touching in 2014

The Toucher's have kicked straight back into gear after the Christmas holiday break with a commanding 10-3 victory on a balmy summers night.

The Touchers opponents just under a month ago were unwrapping presents on Christmas morning and thanking Santa for their new skateboard or new surfboard. I am sure that the were not thinking about their round 12 match up with the undefeated Toucher's.

However, the old men from high up on the Terrey Hills escarpment were putting together strategy, aligning game plans from the very first day after the last match in 2013.

That's what make the difference between champions and second place.

With the playing roster cut by retirements, work responsibilities, having better things to do [Locksmith !!!] and the attacks of the Dasyatis thetidis on a key Toucher in the group, the playing roster was at 6 at the start of the game. Within 30 seconds the team was cut to just 5 players when the Chairman was shot by a sniper and fell to the ground with a ruptured calf muscle.

Only 5 you may ask? Well the Touchers wingers had not been notified of the change in ground. Some may say no great loss as Wingers can be taken or left in the minds of many. Begrudgingly the call was taken from the Rookie and Jonty and they were advised where the game was on.

In a way it was lucky they were told as the Chairman's injury saw him fleeing to his car for some supportive bandage to strap his lower leg back onto his upper thigh.  

Showing all the grit and determination from one of the best Touchers to play the game, BBB took the field to complete the 6 players required to play. This was despite him still in recovery after the goring of the Dasyatis thetidis on his summer sojourn to NSW's internationally famous mid North Coast.

Wearing just thongs, BBB called out "I'm on" and the crowd roared with amazement. I am sure the opposition, when they saw the great man take the playing field, lost any remaining hope they may have had for a victory. If these guys take the field after suffering an injury like this, 

then the stories must be true of how dedicated these guys are to Touching.

Before the late arrival of the Rookie and Jonty, Supercoach flew like a Sea Eagle through the right hand edge of the defence to open the Touchers account for the night. Despite the record intake of Cervas's in the last month, the wild man has carried his 2013 form into the new year.

As usual it was the key players in the middle of the park that drove the competition leaders to another victory. The VC, Bulldog and B1 were sublime in giving the team direction across the ground. This also included The Chairman who searched for every gap in defence whilst his leg was gafa taped together from the knee down.

The VC despite his short haircut seemed to be at a high level of focus and was determined to keep the foot on the throat of the youthful opposition. His mid-season high altitude bike training has kept him trim, tort and terrific and it showed again last night. The legend continues.

Bulldog remains consistent in his style of play. The youngest Toucher in the playing group continued to exude his Mark Waugh like ease on the pitch. 

B1, known as Chopsy to those closest to him, was key in both attack and defense. But I am not sure its clear in this video who let that try in down the far right hand side.

Rookie, coming back after his right hand was re-attached after a hideous bike incident in North America, delivered a brilliant two try performance which included a 100% record in defense as well. Despite his tardiness....no excuses....his speed and fitness was welcomed by all.

Jonty who also will be required to front the game day committee, made up for his lateness in spades and shovels. His ability to loom up on the left hand side and score try after try has made the Chairman eat his words on his concern for Jonty's past handling skills. Just take a look at this for proof.

Next week the Touchers have earned a well deserved week off with the bye. I am sure the outfit will make up for it with sand hill running, hill climbs and the opening of many bottles of fermented brewed water. 

Yours in recovery after the post game celebrations

Full Metal

NOTE: Thanks to Superfish for her taking of these videos. They are the first recorded evidence of the Touchers at play.